African countries are preparing to transition toward greater financial independence in healthcare development as international aid declines. This shift was highlighted by World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva. Ghebreyesus emphasized that the WHO is committed to supporting this transition, especially in light of sharp aid cuts from the United States.
Dr. Ghebreyesus noted that leaders from African and other developing nations view the crisis as an opportunity to move away from aid dependency and toward sustainable, self-reliant health systems. This follows earlier declarations by African officials, including South Africa’s deputy president, who framed U.S. aid reductions as a wake-up call. In April, the Africa CDC launched a continent-wide strategy to revamp health financing. Meanwhile, outside of Africa, Indonesia has announced a plan to achieve vaccine self-sufficiency by 2037.
To support countries in this transition, the WHO is working on tools to improve healthcare system efficiency and boost domestic revenue. One proposal includes increasing taxes on alcohol and tobacco products—an initiative the WHO estimates could generate $1 trillion globally over the next decade. In 2023, the U.S. allocated about $68 billion to international aid, with Africa receiving a large portion, particularly for HIV programs.
However, U.S. President Donald Trump has significantly reduced foreign aid, redirecting funds toward domestic priorities. This has severely affected HIV prevention and treatment programs in Africa, and the WHO reports that cuts have reversed progress in tuberculosis control as well. These disruptions are now impacting millions globally, as health services, vaccine access, and supply chains falter due to reduced funding.
The WHO itself is also facing a funding shortfall as the U.S.—historically its biggest donor—withdraws support. To compensate, other member nations have agreed to increase their financial contributions by 20% under a new budget arrangement. Despite these challenges, Dr. Ghebreyesus remains optimistic, stating that the crisis presents an opportunity for the WHO to become more focused and impactful in serving global health needs.
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